New Parramatta pool development moves forward

The City of Parramatta Council has approved the lodgement of a main works development application for its planned Parramatta Aquatic and Leisure Centre project.

The Council also endorsed the design for the facility by Grimshaw, Andrew Burges Architects and McGregor Coxall, the team chosen from a shortlist of four designs from an international design excellence competition in June 2018.

The partnership’s building design is based on a distinctive ring-shape, which will encircle the outdoor pool.

With funding issues having delayed the progression of the project, the winning design was not revealed until September last year.

Subsequently, on 27th November 2019, Councillors were told that the project’s cost plan was $83.4 million, $6.4 million over the $77 million capital budget.

The scheme has since been refined to bring it in-line with the budget, although no changes have been made to the architectural design.

As reported by the Parramatta Advertiser, Councillor Martin Zaiter said the project could be finished ahead of its due date in summer 2023, advising “we as councillors are fighting this as hard as we can to have it ready sooner.”

The aquatic centre will be located in the Mays Hill Precinct of Parramatta Park and will include a 10-lane, 50-metre outdoor pool, a 25-metre indoor pool, learn to swim facilities, a cafe, and fitness and parking facilities.

It will replace the Parramatta Memorial Pool, which was controversially demolished in 2017 to make way for the new Bankwest Stadium.

Image: The winning concept for the new Parramatta Aquatic Centre by Grimshaw, Andrew Burges Architects and McGregor Coxall. Courtesy of Parramatta City Council.